Bhutan's Democratic Growing Pains

Abstract

For those who are starry-eyed about Bhutan, "Gross National Happiness" (GNH) is a means by which to confirm the country’s accomplishments, embodied by a revered royal family that willingly transitioned the country to democracy and a careful approach to development. For those who are more critical, GNH is viewed as an effective propaganda tool that has helped to “Shangri-lize” Bhutan and shield it from harder scrutiny, particularly in the areas of human rights and social justice. In light of this binary, it is worth examining the most important issues that Bhutan faces at this current moment, 15 years after its democratic transition.